2:16:14 (1:12:22/1:04:52). Was supposed to run the last 2-4 miles at 1/2 marathon pace. Because I am still acclimating to running in the heat again (it was 80F and sunny again today when I finished) I decided to run the first 12 as slowly as possible and then ease into pace, running the last 2 miles at 1/2 marathon pace. I started running faster at mile 12, but did not get a split as I was trying to run by effort - based on my later splits I am assuming this was at 7:50-8:00 min pace. My last 3 miles were: 7:43, 7:22, 7:08. I was pretty hot, but did not feel nearly as bad as last week. Though I did get pretty bad cramps within about 10 mins after stopping and getting water ... so I timed things just right. I usually takes 2-3 weeks to "adjust" to running in the heat again, hopefully next week will be even better. I really hope so, since in about 3 - 4 weeks today's high (~86F or so) will be the low. Sigh, oh winter where art thou? ;-). Today was really a day of reflection for me on my run, there are so many people in need of thoughts and prayers. The death of the Polish president, the death of the coal miners in Kentucky, and so many of our bloggers are going through their own personal trials. And yet, so many of us are blessed and getting ready for personal triumph (or like seeaprilrun have already triumphed! yea!) in a little more than a week! Good luck everyone! One more thing was that I watched Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story last night. Though there were some parts that were a bit over the top, in general I just can't believe that anyone can watch that movie and not want to revolt. Seriously, sickening amounts of greed.
One more thing -- I just finished reading this months Running Times article on Sammy Wanjiru -- holy shmolie -- that man is TALENTED. At 18 years old he was running as fast as most elite athletes run 2 years post college (26:41 min 10K)! Given that he is only 22 it is likely that he will surpass Bekele and Gebs times by the time he fully matures. Truly remarkable.
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